NHS faces 'most difficult start to a new year' ever

STRIKES, flu and Covid could make this the toughest January ever for the NHS, a top doctor warns.

- Steph Spyro

National medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis believes the service is struggling as 2024 starts with six days of walkouts by junior doctors in England.

They will impact almost all routine care, with consultants covering as the NHS prioritises urgent and emergency cases.

Busiest

Sir Stephen said: "January could be one of the most difficult starts to the year the NHS has ever faced.

"Six consecutive days of industrial action comes at one of our busiest periods.

"The action will not only have an enormous impact on planned care, but comes on top of seasonal pressures such as Covid, flu and staff absences due to sickness.